S fuile @ cr jum jam S OJ =) cr fund 99 @ ae Se Take The Guesswork Out Of Herbs (NAPSA)—Morethan onethird of adult Americans use herbal products, according to a recent Prevention survey, but many people are still confused about how to select the right one and how much to use. Rachel Agnew, M.S., R.D., continuing education specialist for Nature’s Resource herbs, frequently advises people on the properuseof herbs. Following are her responses to five of the most common questions she’s asked: 1. How much of an herb should I take? Read the label to determine proper dosage. Someherbs require only one capsule daily to reach the suggested dosage, while others need several capsules taken throughout the day. Have trouble remembering to take your supplements? To take only one capsule daily, look for a time-release formula, which has been prepared to specifically allow for slow, timed release of the herb’s active compounds throughout the day. 2. What’s the best way to take an herb? Read the label to determine whether to take the herb with a mealor a full glass of water. Taking the herb as recommended will help you ensure optimal absorption in the body and avoid negative reactions, such as stomach upset. Remember—results take time. It may be a month or longer before results are seen. The length of time an herb takes to work depends on both the herb itself and the condition you seek to address. Be patient. If unsure, call the toll-free hotline on the herb bottle. What to Look for on an Herb Label As ongation: aona eecomenywat 2 capsule ‘i c ives ATRACT gives extract A oesete suntoRas SINKGO Fe olors: goer yen an ere ioathe se eA rae Sera HN guuties tnatowoezip aN ping NEUE t cqized GINS’ go 8 ae ould bet Ken HONyo OFre.YO girwes ‘i aisprone i" pleedingPe coduct surgery oFaorKiNGorsierducl cn wan ee h eonah al Coto sated This Doubledsim ane UPPLecapsls ingot et apsue at = 10 mane Weal ext! res rite oeIF EATHER PION, gisesse on8 yeahCOEnt eS diagno BONEN RMISS ‘Ss * 72009, 79.8.0 = Ginkge ne Ol cosides Tm ee pactones me 458 igh oie mot este gut, Belatt ee Nature's js3 iraculs regnantA of eso paarpenett mm. a ional ‘ Keer eerta health emaia0" ane Mey usin my aro tangs.0 oS ts take aio 8 pavents: RICEin, Water: Malte gure Breuue’s Other Miulose, etyeye tature’5 S Res 6 a8 3 sine ass Show ratOiCASTEeee Missi RB * : 4900-31 HEI Before you take an herbal supplement, be sure to read the label thoroughly. 3. Do herbs go bad? Expiration dates on a bottle label advise when the herb contents have lost potency. Herbs that recently expired are still safe, they simply may not be as effective. Look for herbs with at least one year remaining on the expiration date. 4, What about safety? Herb bottle warning labels caution about the potential adverse effects of taking a supplement. People on prescription medication, pregnantor lactating mothers, those with serious medical conditions or those anticipating surgery should be particularly aware of warnings on package labels. Because herbal supplementscontain natural plant products, they may cause allergic reactions in somepeople. Allergy information should be identified near the warning labels on the supplementbottle. Consult your healthcare practitioner before beginning an herbal regimen. 5. Where can I learn more? Have a question? Many quality manufacturersoffer a toll-free number and Website to respond to consumer queries. The Nature’s Resource consumeraffairs department, for example, can be reachedbycalling 1-800-314-HERB between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST. Or visit www. Natures Resource. com, an online herb education resource, for detailed information on herbs andhow they can address your specific health needs.
